Summer job search tips

Now let's take a look at what's so special about summer job hunting.

Target industries that boom in the summer

Entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses do better in the summer as people go on vacation, everyone knows that, right? Yet there are lots of other industries that boom in the summer too for less obvious reasons. Read on for ideas below.

Be the first to apply …

Many summer jobs require little to no experience. To save time and money, many employers will hire the first reputable (read: trustworthy) candidates that apply.

… But you don't have to be the first to apply

Many summer job openings are already filled by April, but with all that time until the jobs actually begin, things can come up and plans can change. Candidates may decide they prefer other jobs or not to work at all, and employers may realize they need more help than anticipated.

Treat application forms like resumes

Many summer jobs, such as at fast-food restaurants or retail stores, will want you to submit an application form instead of a resume (which many teens might not have anyway).

Spend the time to complete any forms correctly. If the form needs to be filled in by hand, take a few copies in case you make a mistake you can't correct. Like with a resume, have someone reliable proofread your applications before you submit them.

Stay open to working multiple jobs

https://twitter.com/christofish_/status/731880184513695744

If you read my summer job history, you'll notice that during 3 different summers, I worked more than one job. That was never planned in advance – although it could have been – but if you keep your eyes and ears open and stay ready, you can quickly jump to a better job or just another one if your first one ends early.

Experiment and take risks more readily

Are there are any job search tactics you've been too shy to try on your long-term career job search? Give them a shot during the summer when there's less at stake. You'll learn what works for you and what doesn't, and build more confidence for when you really need it.

Play up your specific qualities

If you're a teenager or student, aim for jobs where having a flexible schedule is important, or dealing with other teenagers and students.

If you're an adult, aim for jobs where employers will feel more comfortable by your experience, or where you'll need to work with people who might be uncomfortable dealing with teenagers and students.

Don't start your own business unless…

… you can clearly make money immediately, or you won't need to.

Summer is short and if you try the wrong idea, you might waste the whole summer without any returns for your efforts.

DO start your own business during the summer if you're not desperate for cash right way and are hoping to time things so that earnings will arrive after the summer when you'll need them more.

Aim to return next summer

Make this your last summer job search by impressing your employer so much they'll want you to come back next summer.

When the summer ends, ask about returning and try to get a date during the year when you can followup for confirmation. But only if you actually liked working there…

With those tips in mind, here are lots of ideas where to look for summer jobs.

Where to find summer jobs

Offline

Previous summer employers – call to see if you can have your old job back or a new one

Your family business

Your friend's family business

At home i.e. get paid for chores or odd jobs in your house and/or the neighbors'

Get your parents to ask their friends

With your friends who have already lined up summer jobs that might need more people

Student career centers

Local employment services and bureaus

Store & restaurant windows

Shopping malls / shopping centers

Public bulletin boards, such as at community centers, churches, synagogues and mosques

Job Search Expert, Professional Blogger, Creative Thinker, Community Builder with a sense of humor. I like to help people.

Leave a Comment:

Name *

E-Mail *

WebsiteComment

7 comments

Brian Cormack Carr says

Great post – and very timely! I’m in the process of developing an online coaching programme for job-hunters and career-changers, and one of the things I recommend in it is that they find a “practice job”, so that they can have a field trip into a potential new career. Many of these great ideas will apply, so I’ll be sharing this….

This post makes me happy that I decided to take the summer to spend time with my kids. The fact is that when you’re competing with students, you’re competing for student salaries and showing other employers how little you’ll work for!